EP0149448B1 - Galvanic element, in particular a secondary element, and method of production - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrochemical device having one or more cells, a bipolar carbon-plastic electrode element providing in combination a separator, cathode and anode, the cathode and anode each having a space formed therebetween, catholyte and anolyte electrolytes circulated from and to reservoirs therefor via distribution connector means to or from a feed or discharge orifice in the appropriate cathode space or anode space. The distribution connector means is provided with at least a configured offset pathways interconnecting feed or discharge channels and the cathode or anode orifices. The pathways of a connector can be interconnected by a cross-channel having a varying area cross-section whereby shunt current protection capabilities are provided so as to reduce or eliminate detrimental orifice blocking depositions. In one embodiment the cross channel can be provided by means having a constant cross section, but variable length. A variable length cross channel is provided by either arcuate interconnected channels having various arcuate lengths or it can be provided by separate arcuate hose-like members of the various lengths. The distribution connector means can be provided with bifurcated distribution channel means feeding it electrolyte. The bifurcated distribution channel means provide means for access into the battery whereby the battery's operating conditions and parameters can be sensed or the electrolyte can be tested or modified as the battery's operation dictates.

Description

The invention relates to a galvanic element, in particular a secondary element, with circulating electrolyte liquid, electrolyte suspension or the like, e.g. a zinc-bromine battery and a method for producing the same.

In the case of galvanic elements with circulating electrolytes, there is a desire to design the galvanic element in such a way that the smallest possible volume is used, the catholyte and the anolyte being stored in a separate reservoir, which can be pumped with appropriate pumps, e.g. can be pumped through the system via a common motor. Plastic materials have proven particularly useful for both the separators and the electrodes, the electrodes having an inner region which contains plastic-bonded carbon, e.g. Has graphite, activated carbon, or the like. Such electrodes are particularly suitable for the bipolar construction of batteries.

A battery has already become known which has separators made of plastic and plastic-bonded carbon-filled electrodes. Depressions are provided in the separators, through which a distribution channel for the electrolyte is formed in the electrode space, the electrodes and the separators being constructed with polypropylene and being connected to one another by a suitable adhesive. However, this application of adhesive is extremely difficult to master technically, since both too little and too large an application of adhesive must be avoided, since otherwise an insufficiently dense liquid connection will not be established, or the distribution channels will be closed by the adhesive, with an insufficient supply of the electrolyte into a cell.

The object of the present invention is to provide a galvanic element, in particular a secondary element, preferably zinc-bromine element, which is particularly reliable, in which the electrodes and / or the separators are connected to one another in a liquid-tight manner, e.g. can be glued and the supply or discharge of the electrolyte can be carried out without interference, and at the same time the electrical resistances of the supply and discharge lines can be selected independently of the construction of the galvanic element.

The galvanic element according to the invention, in particular secondary element with circulating electrolyte liquid, a plurality of electrodes, preferably bipolar plastic-containing carbon, containing electrodes, a large number of separators, the separators and the electrodes being directly connected to one another in a liquid-tight manner, at least in the region of their outer edges, e.g. are glued, whereby anode and cathode spaces are formed, with distribution channels for the electrolyte in the arrangement spaces or cathode spaces, which are preferably formed by depressions in the region of the electrode edges and / or separator edges, which are connected to one another in a liquid-conducting manner, consists essentially in that the anode compartments and the cathode compartments via at least one electrolyte feed and at least one drain opening each, which penetrate the edges of electrodes and / or separators, which edges extend essentially transversely to the electrodes or separators and via separate electrolyte-conducting connecting pieces over each other Corresponding openings are each connected to one another in a liquid-tight manner for the supply or removal of electrolyte from the anode compartments or cathode compartments. As a result, a galvanic element is created in which it is possible to ensure both the electrolyte supply and discharge in a particularly fluidly reliable manner, the galvanic element simultaneously taking up a particularly small space, and a very simple and safe type and Is given for the generation of the galvanic elements and enables a high energy density with uniform loading of the individual electrodes.

If each opening is connected to a channel in the connecting piece, the channels opening directly or indirectly in at least one electrolyte supply or discharge main channel, a construction is provided which can have a particularly low flow resistance, which results in a particularly low consumption of auxiliary energy is required.

If the openings of at least one connecting piece for the supply and / or discharge of the electrolyte of the anode space and / or the cathode space are connected via a transverse channel in addition to the main electrolyte channel, this can result in undesired zinc deposition, e.g. can lead to overgrowth of openings by generating an electrical countercurrent.

If the cross-channel has a cross-section that varies in area, in particular in the form that the cross-sectional area decreases to the center of the cross-channel and then increases again, energy losses can be kept particularly low, while at the same time preventing undesired zinc deposition in the supply channels.

If the channels in the connecting piece are arranged in a row, in particular staggered in two rows, there is a particularly simple connection to the respective main electrolyte channels, for example only two connecting pieces to be provided, one row each being assigned to the anode compartments and the other row to Is assigned to cathode spaces, and each with its own electrolyte main channel, for example for the supply or discharge of the electrolyte.

Is the transverse channel of the connection piece with individual sections between the respective feed and discharge lines from the anode or Unnecessary zinc deposition can be prevented in a particularly simple manner, cathode spaces with at least partially different lengths, preferably with a constant cross-section, in particular with a length increasing towards the central electrode space, the electrical currents flowing thereby being dimensioned particularly precisely by forming the length of the individual sections can be. If the individual sections are constructed with pipe sections, hoses or the like, particularly simple sections can be obtained. If two parts of the connecting piece have a connecting plane through which the inlets and / or outlets lead, and in at least one piece in the connecting plane the inlets and / or outlets respectively interconnecting in cross-section approximately semicircular or the like. Recesses, so there is an intermediate piece which takes into account both the electrical and the fluidic requirements in a particularly favorable manner, and which at the same time is particularly suitable for molding from plastic, for example by injection molding or the like.

If the openings have a rectangular cross-section and the channels in the connecting piece have a corresponding cross-section in the area adjoining the opening, the channel merging into a circular cross-section, there is a particularly advantageous supply and discharge option for the electrolyte.

If the openings penetrate a layer that surrounds the edges of the electrodes and separators, there is a particularly simple construction of the galvanic element, since a liquid-tight connection of the electrodes and separators can be achieved through this layer.

If the layer is formed from the material of the electrodes and / or separators by melting them, there is a particularly easy to produce and particularly tight connection.

If the layer is formed by wrapping the edges, the edges of the electrodes or separators can be of any design, e.g. filled with carbon without the risk of additional impairment e.g. Short circuit formation and the like. The battery exists.

A particularly simple manufacture of the galvanic element can be achieved if the connecting piece, the electrodes and / or separators have guide elements, in particular grooves and tongues, on their cooperating surfaces.

If at least one channel is divided in the intermediate piece and, in addition to the mouth into an electrolyte supply or discharge main channel and possibly a transverse channel, a junction into a lockable channel, there is the possibility that a certain one in each case without disturbing the operation of the battery Anode or cathode compartment can be examined for its condition. For example, a thermocouple can be inserted, electrolyte liquid can be removed, this cell can be specifically subjected to a liquid exchange, for example to remove gas bubbles, and the like. In this way, the operating state can be checked in the simplest way and also partial corrections can be made will.

If the channel opening in the middle of the electrolyte feed or discharge channel is partially curved, and the closable channel extends essentially in a straight line with the channel adjoining the opening, it is particularly easy to use probes, even with the smallest cross section. Tubes and the like are introduced into the anode or cathode compartment. If at least part of the wall of the curved duct is constructed with at least one filler in the connecting piece, the filler (s) optionally having the closable ducts and preferably being connected to one another, such a configuration meets the requirements of a zinc-bromine battery both in terms of flow technology as well as electrical particularly inexpensive invoice, which also creates a particularly simple shape that is excellently suitable for manufacturing from plastic.

The method according to the invention for the production of galvanic elements, in particular secondary elements with circulating electrolyte liquid, a large number, in particular bipolar electrodes, which are constructed with thermoplastic material and in their inner area have an electroactive substance, in particular plastic-bonded carbon, and separators, which are composed of thermoplastic Material are built up, welded together at their edges, consists essentially in that the electrodes and / or the separators are held together and pressed together, optionally with stiffening end plates, and the edges of the electrodes and separators, optionally the end plates, transversely to the flat surface Extension of the electrodes or separators are melted, in particular via a heated metal mirror which is moved adjacent to the edges or in abutment thereon, and then the melt, preferably under pressure storage with a coolant, e.g. air, after the metal mirror is extended. In the previously known accumulators of the type described at the outset, the individual components were glued to one another, the galvanic element being pressed together in the operating state for further sealing, for example by means of tensioning screws or the like. Since both electrodes and separators can be constructed, for example, of polypropylene, and polypropylene, due to its chemically highly inert composition, is only particularly suitable for gluing, in particular If no preparations, such as etching, roughening, by means of silent electrical discharges and the like, are carried out, it has been an unsolved problem up to now that the components of a galvanic zinc-bromine cell, which must be made of a material that is bromine-resistant, are sealed to connect, at the same time no clogging of fine channels, for example supply channels, which are provided in the separators or in the electrodes, occurs. It was completely surprising that a galvanic element can be obtained by the method according to the invention, which also has the necessary mechanical strength, and ensures complete freedom from leaks.

A galvanic element, which allows a particularly simple connection to the electrolyte storage containers via an intermediate piece, can be obtained if openings which pass through the edges of electrodes and / or separators, which edges extend essentially transversely to them, before or during melting the edges with, in particular, thermally insulating fillers, for example be sealed with release agent loaded cones, polytetrafluoroethylene filler pieces, or the like. It can thereby be achieved that the openings, which are formed by the lines leading through the anode or cathode spaces to the edges, have a certain geometrical design and have a reproducible distance in relation to series production, so that a high degree of tightness can be ensured .

If pipes or hoses made of thermoplastic material are introduced into the openings before melting, for example with a mirror which has openings through which the pipes are passed, pipes or hoses can be melted, these hoses, e.g. open into an intermediate piece that has a main electrolyte feed or discharge channel.

According to the method for producing the main galvanic element, an electrolyte-conducting connecting piece of the galvanic element for the individual cathode or anode spaces can also be produced, a thermoplastic part having a plurality of spaced-apart, preferably cylindrical recesses into which pipes or hoses made of thermoplastic Material is introduced into the part, whereupon the thermoplastic material of the part and the pipes or hoses is preferably in part preferably via a heated plate, for example Melted metal mirror, and then allowed to solidify. With such an intermediate piece produced, it is possible to make it from a chemically essentially inert material e.g. To produce polypropylene, wherein the tubes or pipes can be kept at the desired distances from each other, and a maximum tightness, since the thermoplastic material is fused together, can be achieved.

If the souls of the pipes or hoses are filled with fillers, e.g. before and / or during melting and possibly solidification, e.g. pins provided with release agent, in particular thermally insulating filler pieces e.g. Teflon, which are optionally fastened to the plate, in particular metal mirrors, are closed, so an intermediate piece can be manufactured in a material-specific manner with high precision and with little manufacturing outlay.

The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of the examples.

1 shows a separator in plan view, FIG. 2 shows a section of a battery, FIGS. 3 and 4 show a section through a connecting piece, and FIGS. 5 and 6 show the connecting piece in plan view, FIGS. 7 and 8 components for connecting pieces and 9 to 10 devices for producing a galvanic element.

The zinc-bromine battery described below basically consists of three main components. The central part is formed by the actual galvanic element, which consists of a large number of electrodes and separators connected to each other in a liquid-tight manner. The electrodes are provided in a bipolar arrangement and essentially consist of plastic-bonded carbon with a frame surrounding it made of a thermoplastic material. Due to the bipolar arrangement, one side of the electrode acts as a positive pole (bromine electrode) and the other side acts as a negative pole (zinc electrode). Due to the relatively thin design of the separator, the electrical resistance can be kept particularly low, the separator simultaneously acting as a diaphragm, i.e. as an effective barrier against the undesired transport of bromine to the zinc electrode and vice versa. The second essential component of the galvanic element is the electrolyte, which is built up with an aqueous zinc bromide solution and an organic complexing agent to bind the elemental bromine. The electrolyte circulates through the galvanic element in two separate circuits. A further component of the galvanic element is provided for the circulation of the electrolyte, namely the pumps and the storage containers for the electrolyte.

The bromine formed reacts during charging to form an organic bromine complex, which acts as the second liquid phase to store the bromine. Due to the higher specific density, this bromine-rich phase in the reservoir for the cathode liquid separates from the rest of the solution. In the charged state, therefore, the reaction partner for the positive electrode is kept outside the electrochemical cell and cannot react with the zinc. Losses due to self-discharge are therefore eliminated, the battery can be stored maintenance-free for any length of time. (The anode liquid depletes during charging of zinc, which is deposited in metallic form on the negative electrodes).

During the discharge, the bromine-rich organic phase is fed to the passivated electrode with the circulated electrolyte, while zinc dissolves in the electrolyte at the negative electrode. Another characteristic inherent to the system is the leakage or parasitic currents caused by the bipolar electrode arrangement in series, which occur as a result of the electrolyte supply, which is parallel to the individual cells and takes place via a common main line, and lead to energy losses and uneven zinc deposition (dendrite formation). This effect increases with increasing number of individual cells and has the greatest effect on zinc accumulation with the electrolyte feed near the negative end pole of the bipolar cell block. The normal electrolyte circulation is disturbed, the zinc deposition in the individual cells becomes inconsistent, so that their mutually different behavior can ultimately cause the battery to fail.

An electrical circuit has proven itself as a measure for eliminating the parasitic currents, in which an approximately equal counter voltage is forced on the battery voltage on the electrolyte lines, which compensates for the current flow. This leakage current protection requires only a small amount of energy, which is branched off directly from the battery power.

A galvanic element is shown in sections in FIG. 2, which is composed of individual electrodes 1 and separators 2. The electrodes and separators have a common sheath 3, which was formed by melting the electrode and separator material. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the separator has a depression through which distributor channels 4 and 5 are formed. Access openings 7 of different sizes are provided on their central surface 6, so that a uniform distribution of the electrolyte is ensured both when the supply line is supplied and when it is discharged from the anode or cathode compartment. The electrodes can either be constructed analogously to the separators or there is also the possibility that the separators are essentially planar and only the electrodes are designed as described here. In any case, it must be ensured that a space is formed between the separator and the electrode which is sufficient for the access of the electrolyte and for the handling of the electro-chemical reaction.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the bundle of electrodes and separators has openings 8 in the distribution channels 4 which penetrate the separators essentially transversely to their planar extent. A prismatic recess 9, which has grooves 10, is provided in the galvanic element. The connecting piece 11, which has springs 12, can be inserted in a liquid-tight manner in this prismatic recess. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the connecting piece, of which at least four or at least two, depending on the construction, can be designed only for connecting every second electrolyte space, in which case either the supply line or the discharge line of the electrolyte are formed through this connecting piece the anode or cathode compartment. Each opening 8 is assigned to a channel 13, the channels 13 (cf. FIG. 5) opening into an electrolyte feed or discharge channel 14, which in turn is connected to the reservoir and the pump in a liquid-tight manner. The channels 13 lead through a heat exchanger 31 with water inlet and outlet opening 33, which enables effective temperature control of the electrolyte to operate the element at an optimal temperature.

In the connecting piece, as can be seen particularly clearly from FIGS. 3 and 4, a transverse channel 15 can be provided, which is closed at both ends by an O-ring 16 and a graft plate 17. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 4, the cross-channel has a cross-section which varies in area, the cross-sectional area decreasing up to the center of the cross-channel and then increasing again.

The channels 13 can - as shown in Fig. 4 - be arranged offset. As can be seen in the section in FIG. 6, the channels in the connecting piece widen to a rectangular cross section, which then corresponds to each of the openings 8 in the separator or in the electrode. This rectangular cross section then changes into a circular one, wherein the electrical resistance can be set by the length of the channels, which are formed, for example, by attached hose lines or the like.

The connecting pieces can be connected to the electrode and separator bundle in a liquid-tight manner either by means of a clamp seat 16, 17 by means of their own mechanical clamping devices or by a fusion connection.

If necessary, a plurality of separators can also be provided per electrolyte compartment if a larger volume is desired.

The component 18 of a connecting piece shown in FIG. 7 is partially closed by a further part by mirror welding on its connecting plane 19 facing the observer. The transverse channel, which the individual channels 13 e.g. connects from the anode spaces to one another, is formed by sections 15a, 15b, 15c of the same cross section but of different lengths, the length increasing in the direction of the central electrode spaces, so that the resistance between the individual channels in the area of the central electrodes is greater than in the case of the electrodes arranged on the edge.

The connecting piece 11 shown partially in section in FIG. 8 has, as can be seen in FIG. 8b, a curved channel 13a which opens into further closable channels 20. Part of the wall of the curved channel 13a is formed by a filler 21, which has the channels 20. This filler is in 8c and is inserted into the slots 22 of the intermediate piece according to FIG. 8a, the individual webs with the channels 20 being able to be arranged at a distance from one another on a continuous bar 23, so that all slots 22 are provided with one filler piece can be closed. These channels 20 can be used, for example, for the introduction of various probes, e.g. thermocouple, pressure sensor, comparison electrode, conductivity electrode, optical sensor, or the like, but there is also the possibility of actively intervening in the electrochemical process, e.g. inert gas purging, gas discharge, but also measuring the speed of the electrolyte flow by introducing gas bubbles and observing the speed at which it moves. Via these channels 20 there is therefore the possibility of establishing a diagnostic center for a galvanic element without thereby endangering the normal operation of this element. The filler can also be used to close a channel 13, for example to separate this electrode space from the rest of the cell.

In the device for carrying out the method according to the invention shown schematically in FIG. 9, a packet 24, which is made up of the electrodes and separators to be connected to one another, is melted at the edges by mirrors 25, which are formed 25a and 25b, and simultaneously pressed against one another , with a plate 26, e.g. a front plate made of thermoplastic material is melted at the same time. Filling pieces 27, e.g. Teflon filler pieces (Teflon is a trusted trademark), pegs that are exposed to the release agent, or the like. The packet of electrodes and separators, which is also pressed against one another by punches 28, is melted at its edges by the heating mirrors 25 pressed against one another, the channels which serve for the supply and discharge of the electrolyte being kept free or provided with connecting hoses by the filler pieces can. After both the edges and the front plate 26 have melted sufficiently, the split mirror 25a, 25b is extended and the front plates are pressed against the package, whereby a tight connection is obtained. Should a e.g. gas discharge duct connecting the cathode spaces are formed at the same time, a wire, e.g. with a diameter of 0.5 mm or a triangular or polygonal cross-section are placed during the connection and then pulled out, thereby creating a channel through which the cells are vented without electrical connection thereof.

10a, 10b and 10c illustrate particularly clearly how it is achieved that e.g. the channels 4, which lead to the electrode spaces, are not closed during the mirror welding, whereby this method can also serve for the production of the connecting piece. A welding spatula 25 is arranged between the package of electrodes and separators and the front plate 26, Teflon tubes 29 being able to be passed through both the front plate and the welding mirror. These Teflon hoses 29 lead into the channels 4 and thus ensure that the channels 4 are not closed after the split mirror 25a and 25b has been extended and the partially melted package and the partially melted front plate have been pressed against it. Instead of the Teflon hoses, hoses made of thermoplastic material, e.g. Polypropylene, are used, in which case these tubes are welded in front of or in the channels 4, with either a series of bores or a continuous slot in the front plate or the like through which the tubes are guided being provided can be.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 10b, instead of the Teflon hoses, a separate comb piece 30 is provided, which is thermally insulated and optionally has a release agent applied to it, as a result of which the openings of the channels 4 are also kept free even after welding, while the packet 24 and the End plate 26 extend the extensions of the comb piece 30 in the channels 4.

Claims (23)

1. A galvanic element, in particular a secondary element, having circulating liquid electrolyte, a plurality of preferably bipolar plastics-bonded carbon-containing electrodes (1) and a plurality of separators (2), the separators (2) and the electrodes (1) at least in the region of their outer edges being connected, e.g., glued essentially directly together to be liquid tight, whereby anode and cathode spaces are formed which for the electrolyte in the anode spaces and cathode spaces respectively have distributor channels (4, 5) which are preferably formed by depressions lying in the region of the edges of the electrodes and/or separators and connected together to conduct liquid, characterized in that the anode spaces and the cathode spaces are connected via openings (8), at least one each for leading in electrolyte and at least one each for leading out electrolyte, which pass through the edges of the electrodes (1) and/or separators (2), the said edges extending essentially transversely to the latter, and through separate, in particular one piece electrolyte-conducting connectors (11), via the openings corresponding with one another and in each case in a manner liquid tight from one another for leading electrolyte respectively into and out of the anode spaces and cathode spaces respectively.

2. A galvanic element as in Claim 1, characterized in that each opening (8) is connected to a respective channel (13) in the connector (11), the channels being preferably led through a heat- exchanger (31) and in each case opening out directly or indirectly into a main channel (14) arranged if necessary in the connector, for leading electrolyte in or out respectively.

3. A galvanic element as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in at least one connector the openings (8) for leading electrolyte into and/or out of the anode space and/or cathode space are connected via a cross-channel (15) in addition to the main electrolyte channel (14).

4. A galvanic element as in Claim 3, characterized in that the cross-channel (15) exhibits a cross-section which varies in area.

5. A galvanic element as in Claim 4, characterized in that the area of cross-section decreases up to the centre of the cross-channel (15) and then increases again.

6. A galvanic element as in Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the cross-channel (15) in the connector (11) is built up of individual portions (15a, 15b, 15c) between the respective leads into and out of the anode or cathode spaces, of at least partially different lengths with the cross-section preferably remaining constant, in particular with the length increasing up to the middle electrode space.

7. A galvanic element as in Claim 6, characterized in that the individual portions are built up of pieces of tube, hoses or the like.

8. A galvanic element as in Claim 6, characterized in that two parts (18) of the connector (11) exhibit a plane (19) of connection, through which pass the leads in and out and in at least portions (15a, 15b, 15c) of the crosschannel which in one part connect the leads in and/or out respectively together in the plane (19) of connection exhibit recesses approximately semicircular or the like in cross-section.

9. A galvanic element as in one of the Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the channels (13) in the connector (11) are arranged in rows, in particular in two rows offset.

10. A galvanic element as in one of the Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the openings (8) exhibit a rectangular cross-section and that the channels (13) in the connector (11) in the region adjoining the openings exhibit a corresponding cross-section, though the channel continues into an approximately circular channel.

11. A galvanic element as in one of the Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the openings (8) pass through a layer (3) which surrounds the edges of the electrodes and separators.

12. A galvanic element as in Claim 11, characterized in that the layer is formed from the material of the electrodes (1) and/or separators (2) by fusing them.

13. A galvanic element as in Claim 11, characterized in that the layer is formed by sheathing the edges.

14. A galvanic element as in one of the Claims 11,12 or 13, characterized in that in the layer of a gas discharge channel is provided, which connects the anode or cathode spaces respectively and if necessary is closable.

15. A galvanic element as in one of the Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the connector and the electrodes and/or separators exhibit at their cooperating areas guide members, in particular tongues (12) and grooves (10).

16. A galvanic element as in one of the Claims 1 to 15, characaterized in that at least one channel (13a) in the connector (11) is divided and exhibits besides the mouth into a channel leading electrolyte in or out and if necessary into a crosschannel (15), a further junction with a closable channel (20).

17. A galvanic element as in Claim 16, characterized in that the channel (13a) opening into the main channel which leads electrolyte in or out respectively, is made partially curved and that the closable channel (20) extends essentially in a straight line with the adjoining channel up to the opening (8).

18. A galvanic element as in Claim 17, characterized in that at least one part of the wall of the curved channel (13a) is built up in the connector by at least one filler (21), the filler or fillers exhibiting if necessary the closable channels (20) and being preferably connected together.

19. A method of production of galvanic elements, in particular secondary elements, which have circulating liquid electrolyte and in which a plurality of electrodes, in particular bipolar electrodes, which are built up from thermoplastic material and in their interior exhibit an electrochemically active substance, in particular plastics-bonded carbon, and separators which are built up from thermoplastic material, are welded together at their edges, characterized in that the electrodes and/or separators are held together and pressed against one another, if necessary by stiffening endplates, and the edges of the electrodes and separators and if necessary of the endplates are fused transversely to their plane extent via a heated metal mirror adjacent to the edges or run into contact with them, and then the melt, if necessary with a plane material brought into contact, preferably fused at the same time by the metal mirror, is solidified, preferably under the action of a cooling medium, after the metal mirror has been run out.

20. A method as in Claim 19, characterized in that the openings which pass through the edges of the electrodes and/or separators, the said edges extending essentially transversely to the latter, are closed before or during the fusion of the edges by fillers, in particular thermally insulating fillers, e.g., pegs acted upon by separating agent, which if necessary are provided on a special work-carrier, or polytetrafluoroethylene fillers or the like, where if necessary a plate divided at the fillers is run in between what is to be fused and the work-carrier.

21. A method as in Claim 19 or 20, characterized in that before fusion tubes or hoses of thermoplastic material are introduced into the openings.

22. A method of production of the electrolyte-conducting connector of the galvanic element as in one of the Claims 1 to 18, for the anode and cathode spaces, where a thermoplastic part having a plurality of preferably cylindrical recesses arranged at intervals from one another or respectively one slit, and tubes or hoses of thermoplastic material are introduced into the part, whereupon the thermoplastic material of the part and of the tubes or hoses is partially fused, preferably via a heated plate, e.g., a metal mirror, and then is made to solidify with a part which is to be connected to it, if necessary a pack of the electrodes and/or separators fused at the same time.

23. A method as in Claim 22, characterized in that before and/or during the fusion and if necessary before solidification of the bores of the tubes or hoses they are filled by fillers, e.g. pegs provided with separating agent, in particular thermally insulating fillers which if necessary are fastened to the plate or to a special carrier.

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